Wedding day rundown template
Here’s a wedding day rundown template that you can customize based on your timeline, venue, and specific needs. It helps organize your day so everything runs smoothly:
Wedding Day Run-Down Template
Morning (Preparation)
Time: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
7:00 AM - Bride & Bridal Party Start Getting Ready
Hair, makeup, and breakfast for the bridal party
Photographer arrives for "getting ready" shots
Bride puts on dress
Ensure bridesmaids have their outfits, accessories, and bouquets
7:30 AM - Groom & Groomsmen Start Getting Ready
Groom and groomsmen get dressed
Photographer arrives for "getting ready" shots
9:00 AM - First Look (Optional)
If you’re doing a first look before the ceremony, this is when the bride and groom see each other. Capture photos.
10:00 AM - Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Photos
Pre-ceremony photos of bridal party and groomsmen individually or together.
11:30 AM - Bride Departs for Ceremony Venue
Final prep for the bride (dress, bouquet, etc.)
Transportation to ceremony venue
Ceremony
Time: 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM (Adjust timing for specific ceremony length)
1:00 PM - Guests Start Arriving
Ushers or wedding coordinator guide guests to their seats
Pre-ceremony music plays
1:15 PM - Groom and Groomsmen Take Their Places
Groom and groomsmen enter the ceremony area and take their positions
1:30 PM - Bride's Entrance
Bride walks down the aisle
Photographer/videographer captures the moment
1:35 PM - Ceremony Begins
Officiant starts the ceremony
Vows, rings, and signing of the marriage certificate
First kiss as a married couple
1:45 PM - Recessional
Newlyweds walk back down the aisle
Guests begin congratulating the couple
Post-Ceremony & Reception
Time: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
2:00 PM - Cocktail Hour
Guests enjoy drinks and appetizers
Wedding party takes post-ceremony photos
Background music plays
3:00 PM - Newlyweds Arrive
Couple arrives at the reception venue
Grand entrance of the newlyweds
First dance (if desired)
3:15 PM - Welcome Toast
Bride and groom thank guests for attending
Best man or maid of honor gives a toast
3:30 PM - Dinner Service Begins
Guests are seated
Meal is served (buffet, plated, family-style, etc.)
4:30 PM - Speeches and Toasts
Parents, maid of honor, and best man give speeches
Toast to the couple
5:00 PM - Cake Cutting
Newlyweds cut the cake, followed by dessert service
Evening Festivities
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
6:00 PM - Dancing
Open dance floor for guests
Optional: Special dances (father-daughter, mother-son)
7:30 PM - Bouquet Toss (Optional)
Bride tosses the bouquet to unmarried women
Groom tosses the garter (if desired)
8:00 PM - Party Time
Keep the dance floor going
Other activities like photo booth, games, etc.
9:45 PM - Last Dance
Everyone on the dance floor for the final song
Closing (Farewell)
Time: 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM
10:00 PM - Newlyweds' Grand Exit
Couple leaves the venue in style (sparklers, bubbles, confetti, or car exit)
Guests gather to say goodbye
10:30 PM - Reception Ends
Venue staff begins cleanup
Transportation to the hotel or after-party
Notes for Customization:
Vendor Arrival Times: Include times for when vendors like your photographer, DJ, or florist need to arrive.
Special Moments: Add in any personal or cultural traditions (e.g., speeches, dances, special performances).
Travel/Transportation: Include travel time between venues (e.g., church to reception venue).
Time for Photos: Consider scheduling a buffer for any spontaneous photo opportunities.
You can adjust these times based on your ceremony and reception schedule, as well as any other events you want to include. A clear rundown like this will ensure your wedding day flows smoothly!
